From Tablehopper: “The 5,000-square-foot space will bring together art (expect bi-monthly collections of modern and contemporary art), handcrafted artisan cocktails with house-made syrups and bitters, local small production wines, and a wide range of music (with occasional live performances). AKG partners is behind the project (Alfonso Dominguez, Kevin Best, and Gairy Jacques)—their other venues include Tamarindo Antojeria, B Restaurant and Bar, and Air Lounge.”

Amongst all the bars in downtown LA that are all appearance but no substance, lies this little speakeasy that prides itself on quality classic cocktails. Just like Milk & Honey in NYC, putting yourself at the whims of the bartender is the way to go.

Small, quiet, dark and conducive to conversations, The Varnish is undoubtedly my favorite bar in LA... heck, maybe even in the state of California!

Comforting Soul Food using local ingredients. Brunch was super tasty... the White Cheddar Grits & Poached Eggs were perfectly creamy. The Fried Chicken isn't bad, but their Waffles (made with cornmeal and served with Brown Sugar Butter and Apple Cider Syrup) are the best I've ever had! Want to come back for the Po' Boys and Gumbo for lunch.

Japanese comfort food (to me at least) - including Ramen, Udon, Donburi, Robata. Lots of variety... also one of the few places that I have found Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki in SF. Service has been consistently slow for me, but the food is good. Open fairly late (11pm weekdays, 1am weekends).

A fairly nondescript sandwich shop, famous for their fresh roasted turkey (choose from white, dark, or mixed meat). Sandwiches are well-constructed; they don't fall apart and aren't messy (which, for a handheld lunch, is important to me). Also: tasty, tasty bacon.

from their site:
“Anvil is devoted to serving alluring drinks in a tranquil environment. We firmly believe that great cocktails are forged with persistent attention to every detail. Our favorite spirits merge with the freshest ingredients available to create dynamic liquid combinations — all served over perfect ice with healthy dashes of bitters. Crafting libations in this fashion recognizes an elegant, classic simplicity that revitalizes an era when cocktails and the profession of bartending were respected and noteworthy aspects of our society.”

I agree with @buzz that the standard vodka tasting isn't really an enticing offering. But at $10, it's a fair deal (and you get to keep your tasting glass). I would rather sample their whiskeys and mescals.

I've only come here in the earlier hours for a client meeting, enjoyed coffee (Blue Bottle) and toast (served with Blue Chair Fruit Company jams). I need to come back for their famous wood-fired pizza.

Satisfying, affordable and quick. The rare steak is amongst some of the most tender I've had in a bowl of pho. The restaurant is an unmarked storefront in a nondescript strip mall, so it can be a bit hard to find if you don't know where to look.